Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is reportedly preparing to step down from his role as early as Monday, sources said. While no official statement has been released by the Prime Minister's Office or the Liberal Party, the timing of his potential resignation is seen as strategic, coming ahead o0f the party's national caucus meeting on January 8.

Leadership Under Strain

Trudeau, who became the Liberal Party leader in 2013 and Canada's Prime Minister in 2015, has faced growing internal and public pressure to relinquish his position. His leadership, once celebrated for its progressive agenda, is now under fire from party colleagues and citizens alike. Calls for his resignation intensified after controversies, including a fallout with former Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland.

Freeland, a close ally, resigned in protest in December after Trudeau attempted to demote her, citing disagreements over government spending. In her resignation letter, she accused Trudeau of prioritizing "political gimmicks" over the nation's best interests.

Past Successes and Current Challenges

Trudeau initially led the Liberals out of political obscurity, promising "sunny ways" and a progressive vision. Under his leadership, the party won the 2015 federal election with a strong majority. Key achievements of his tenure include:

• Re-election in 2019 and 2021: While Trudeau secured narrow victories in these elections, both resulted in minority governments, reflecting a decline in public confidence.
• Cannabis Legalization (2018): His government enacted historic legislation to legalize recreational cannabis use, aimed at regulating the substance.
• Climate Action: Trudeau committed to reducing Canada’s carbon emissions by 30% by 2030 and implemented a national carbon pricing plan.
• COVID-19 Response: His administration introduced a $1 billion COVID-19 Response Fund and various emergency relief programs to support citizens and businesses.

Mounting Criticism and Scandals

Despite these successes, Trudeau’s government has been criticized for its handling of key issues:

• Housing and Immigration: Rising immigration numbers have strained Canada’s housing market, drawing backlash from opposition leaders.
• Ethical Scandals: His tenure has been marred by incidents such as the SNC-Lavalin affair, which raised concerns over conflicts of interest.
• Economic Woes: Heavy pandemic spending led to record deficits, but these measures failed to protect Canadians from the growing cost of living.

What Lies Ahead

If Trudeau steps down, it could trigger a call for early elections to establish a stable government capable of addressing pressing issues, including strained Canada-India relations and economic challenges. The Liberal Party is reportedly considering Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc as an interim leader, though internal disagreements persist regarding his potential candidacy for permanent leadership.

End of an Era

Trudeau’s departure would mark the conclusion of a nearly decade-long leadership journey, leaving the Liberal Party at a critical juncture. With Canada heading into elections this year, recent polls predict significant losses for the Liberals, casting doubt on their future influence.